Intercessory Prayers Series 2

Posted by on October 3, 2010 · Leave a Comment 

INTERCEDING FOR THE MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL

(Not Excluding Other Local Church Pastoral/Spiritual Leadership Teams)

TEXT: Zechariah 3:1-8, Acts 14:19-20, Deuteronomy 3:23-28; Colossians 4:17

INTRODUCTION: Amongst all the children of God, Ministers are the most vulnerable to attacks by the enemy because they occupy a very precious position. Except by the discerning of Spirits and revelation gifts of the Holy Spirit, one might not accurately know what problems, fears tears, and wears a minister has to grasps with, as their problems are many and varied. It is in this respect that the great Apostle Paul, who spoke in tongues more than all the Christians in Corinth, who heard the voice of God audibly and saw the visions of God, who went to the third heaven bodily, and had an angelic visitation, who could deliver an erring believer to the devil for torment, and who stood in the five ministerial offices and manifested all nine gifts, requested for personal prayers almost all the Churches he visited. Romans 15:30-32; Ephesians 6:18-20; Colossians 4:2-4; 1 Thessalonian 5:25; Heb. 13:18.

The Lord Jesus Christ while on earth as son of man also requested prayer help from His disciples who slept off instead of praying – Matthew 26:36-46. So, if the Lord Jesus in His earthly ministry and also Apostle Paul needed prayers then we conclude that no minister can perform effectively to the optimum without a steady prayer support. God is likely to hold the church responsible for the sins, errors and the fall and failures of her ministries just as He will also hold the ministers responsible for the lives of their members – Proverbs 27:23.

“When Israel sin against God, Moses interceded for them, but when Moses has his offence of sin against God, there was no intercessor to take a stand on his behalf” – Exodus 32:30-32; 33:12-23; 17:8-16; 12:13; and Deuteronomy 32:48-52; Numbers 20:7-13.

A. MINISTER’S CONFLICTS:

1. Ministers have personal crisis and strivings which at some points or times cannot be shared with mortal man except God alone – 2 Corinthians 12:7-9.

2. Ministers may be bold externally but they may also have their personal fears and uncertainties. 1 Kings 19:1-14. “Smite the Shepherd and the Sheep’s will scatter”.

3. Ministers are specifically targeted for certain vicious attacks by the gates of hell :  2 Samuel 11:1-27; 2 Kings 4:1-7 etc

  • Seducing spirits
  • Attacks on the spirit man by demonic forces with intent to hindering a minister fellowship with God
  • Family attacks (domestic burdens)
  • Pride, arrogance and self esteem
  • . . . And many others etc

4. Ministers often have plans and programmes of divine approval which may be frustrated by the devil. 1 Thessalonian 2:18.

5. Sometimes they find themselves in a very tight and embarrassing financial crisis which they had not bargained for. 2 Corinthians 11:22-27, Philippians 4:10-13.

6. Many times they wonder whether they were actually called of God due to Satan’s assault on their assurance and faith. This often happens when there is fierce opposition within and without and the ministry isn’t making any remarkable progress. Matthew 11:1-6, 2 Timothy 4:13-18.

7. Often there are certain inexplicable health hazards which may ultimately affect the work of the ministry. 1Timothy 5:23.

8. Often-times the devil inundates the minister with unending programmes and activities, so as to choke up his personal fellowship with the Lord. Ministers must work with the Lord and not only for the Lord. Mark 3:14-15.

9. There is also the temptation to be crowded and miracle-oriented without being people-oriented. Jesus had time for anxious inquirers.

10. We must pray that God’s minister will be men of vision so as to: 

i. See what the Lord sees.

ii. See only what the Lord sees.

iii. See as far as the Lord sees.

iv. See as clearly as the Lord sees.

(see Jeremiah 1:11-19; Isaiah 6:1-9; Genesis 13:14-18)

B. DIVINE RECIPE FOR EFFECTIVE MINISTRY: 1 Tim. 1:1-2, 2 Tim. 2:1

  • GRACE – God’s Riches At Christ Expense, i.e. unmerited favour, divine capacity for doing       work. 1 Cor. 15:9-10.
  • MERCY – Divine kindness that offsets divine judgement for obvious and non-obvious faults     and mistakes in the ministry. 2 Cor. 4:1.
  • PEACE – Understanding of mind and spirit in spite of surrounding turmoil’s. John 14:27,        John 16:33, 2 Tim. 2:6.

NOTE: No minister can function without fail, if these three elements of divine reimbursement are not present on a constant basis. As intercessors we need to ask the Lord to multiply these divine favours unto them.

C. SAMPLE PRAYERS FOR MINISTERS:

(Marks of the ministry: 2 Corinthians 6:1-10).

Lord of heaven and Earth I come in the name of Lord Jesus Christ, your first begotten son to intercede and pray for Revd Chukie & Mrs. Faith MORSI, ministers of the gospel, whose local church is named REDEMPTION LIFE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH. I pray that you will grant them your grace, peace and mercy, so that they could make their calling and election sure; I pray that they would approve themselves as ministers and that they put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that their ministry will not be discredited.  Rather, as servants of God they commend themselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses;  in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;  in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love;  in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;  through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors;  known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed;  sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything as in 2 Corinthians 6:1-10. I pray that your loving kindness will envelope them. Kindly bless them and grant them open doors of favour, an effectual and effective ministry. I pray that all the resources they might need to make their ministry what you want it to become be made available unto them. Kindly bless them in every way. Thank you Lord in Jesus name, amen.

(You can use these other passages to enhance prayers – Psalms 104:4; 134:1-3; 135:1-3; 92:10-15 etc.)

Compiled by Rev. Chukie MORSI

www.42ndgenerationfoundation.com and www.achieversfaithdigest.com

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Intercessory Prayers Series 1

Posted by on September 3, 2010 · Leave a Comment 

INTERCEDING FOR THE NATION

“Prayer for the Nation’s is an inescapable duty and obligation of every Believer in order to thwart and avert the works of the enemy, to advance the Gospel and to ensure the prosperity and well-being of Nation’s”

TEXT: 1Timothy 2:1-4; Psalm 8:1-2, 110:1-6, Jeremiah 51:20-23.

INTRODUCTION:

The Lord Jesus Christ is the king of kings and the Lord of lord. He is the ruler of the earth’s rulers and the Governor over the earth’s governments. He is the head of all principalities and powers as stated in Colossians 2:10. “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, dominions, or principalities, or powers all things were created by him and for Him” – Colossians 1:16;“………..The Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will“ – Daniel 4:25b. Christ’s authority over all earthly governments is made available in His name to the Church. As Moses stretched forth his rod on God’s behalf over Egypt, so the Church by her prayers stretches forth Christ’s authority over the nations and their rulers. By this authority we may then determine the destinies of nations and governments. As the people in charge, the Lord expects us to constantly make use of our authority “to root out, to pull down, to destroy, to throw down, to build and to plant” – Jeremiah 51:20-23. Hallelujah, we are the Prophets unto the Nations and Kingdoms.

A. BASIS FOR PRAYERS OVER THE NATIONS:

1. We are kingdom of priests. Daniel 7:14, 18, 22, 27; Revelation 1:5-6; 5:9-10.

2. We are joint-heirs with Christ. Every Christian has a dual citizenship. By natural birth he is subject to the laws of his earthly government, and by spiritual birth, through faith in Christ he’s also a citizen of God’s heavenly kingdom. Philippians 3:3, 14. As a citizen of the heavenly kingdom, the Christian is subject to its law, just as he is entitled to share in it’s authority. Ephesians 2:4-6, 1:20-21, Galatians 4:6-7.

3. God has set us over the nations as their spiritual rulers – Jeremiah 1:5, 10; 51:20-23; Romans 5:17

4. Believers are God’s spiritual law enforcement agents. Psalm 149:5-9, 11:16; Matthew 16:19, 18:18. We are concerned with the word ‘BIND’ in these passages. One translation of the passages Matthew18:18 (Amp) states: “Whatsoever ye shall prohibit or allow, declare illegal and unlawful on earth, shall be prohibited, disallowed, and declared illegal and unlawful in heaven”. So we are responsible for all that take place on earth. Unlike Natural law enforcement agents who are limited in their operations by geographical demarcation of nations, the Spiritual law enforcement agents is unlimited in his operations of binding and loosing, since there is no geographical demarcation in the spirit realm.

5. We are the Temple of the living God. – “a house of prayer for the nations” Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Isaiah 56:7; Luke 19:45-46; 1 Timothy 2:1-4.

6. The Church is the “salt of the earth”. Matthew 5:6.

First of all, salt gives flavour. Food which in itself is unappetizing becomes tasty and acceptable when seasoned with salt. As Christians, our ambition (in living and prayers) is to give flavour to the earth. Our presence makes the earth acceptable to God. Our presence commends the earth to God’s mercy and grace.

Secondly, salt preserves or restrains corruption. Our presence on the earth as Christ’s disciples operates like salt in a spoiling meat. The process of sin’s corruption is already at work in all spheres of man’s endeavours – social, moral, religion and political. We cannot abolish the corruption that is already there, but we can hold it in check (through our lives, and prayers and intercession) long enough for God’s purpose, grace and mercy to be fully worked out.

7. We are the light of the world. Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Corinthians 4:6; John 1:4-6, Ephesians 5:8-13. Prayer makes the light of our lives shine brighter and shinning light drives out darkness. Light is a symbol of development and exaltation and righteousness to a nation – Proverbs 14:34. This can bring in the hands of God’s grace and mercies.

B. RELEASING THE POWER OF GOD

The scripture teaches and shows certain means by which God’s power is released into a person, thing, circumstance or situation.

a.    Prophetic utterance – Jeremiah 1:10; Ephesians 3:7-12; 1 Kings 17:1. In all

Earth’s affairs the last word is with God. At times however, God causes this word to be spoken through the lips of a believer.

b.    Such a word may also be spoken in authoritative ministry of the word. 2 Kings 2:22 (19-22); Matthew 8:5-13; Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians1:18; Isaiah 44:24-26, Romans 10:8-10.

c. Also in a prayer closet of petition or in intercession. Number 16:28-33; Joshua 10:12-14; 1Timothy 2:1. This is a type of prayer of command or authoritative praying Matthew 11:22-23. As God’s word given in an instance by the Holy Spirit, they would just be as effective in the believer’s mouth as they would have been in the mouth of God Himself. Isaiah 44:24-26.

C. PRAYING EFFECTIVELY FOR OUR NATION AND THE WORLD.

1. Know your exalted position and delegated authority in Christ. Ephesians 2:6. For they that do not know their God shall be strong and do exploited; but they that do no know their God shall be weak and they shall be exploited. Daniel 11:32b.

2. Know why God requires us to pray for all men and for those in authority. 1Timothy 2:1-4.

3. Have a good understanding of our governmental set-up and its rulers; be fully up to date with the nation’s problems and sudden developments. An ignorant and unlearned believer cannot prayer effectively. Isaiah 5:13, Hosea 4:6.

4. Prayer for the nations is a prayer of identification. Not exoneration. Daniel 9:1-19, Ezekiel 9:1-11, 10:1; 2Chronicle 7:14.

5. Make it a habit to both pray with the knowledge and in the Spirit for our nation and other nations. 1 Corinthians 14:15; Daniel 9:1-2; Ephesians 6:18.

6. Guide and guard your speech and confessions as regards your prayers for the nations and the happening. Romans 10:8-10, Hebrews 3:14, 10:23, 1 John 5:14-15.

7. Refuse to be discouraged if you do not see immediate results of your prayers or even if the contrary happens. God will ultimately answer prayers of faith and importunity. Luke 11:8, James 5:16, Mark 11:22-23, Philippians 4:6-7.

8. Take note of revelations, and visions and burdens of nation and international concern that God may give you. Note them, analyse or interpret them and pray about them, then wait and watch for results. Habakkuk 2:1-4. Nehemiah 1:1-3, 4-11.

9. Take out time to wait upon the Lord in fasting and prayers on issues that are very critical and do demands a wrestle with the Lord until answer comes from Him. Daniel 9:3, Nehemiah 1:3-4.

10. You can also pray more definitely with the use of good and update map of those nations and of the world with card keys to itemize the nations and indicate their problems, similarly be current through the news media (Satellite, Radio, Television, Newspapers, Magazines, Internet, etc) to obtain specific information to give a prayer awareness of an area.

Compiled By Revd Chukie MORSI

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Doer of The WORD

Posted by on August 4, 2010 · Leave a Comment 

TOPIC: DOER OF THE WORD

BIBLE TEXT: James 1:22-25; Psalm 19:7-14; 119:9-16; Luke 4:1-13.

INTRODUCTION: The need to be a doer of all what we have been exposed to as in  the Bible teachings cannot be over-emphasized, for the Bible says, if we know and do these things, then are we blessed (Jam. 1:25).  Faith without work is dead, to be a hearer and not a doer, will leave a Christians – powerless and without purposefulness in life; and God demand above even other thing that we show forth His praises by doing what He commands us, hereby do we show our love for Him and how great a reward awaits us. (Psalm 19:11; John 14:15).

DISCUSSION:

A. The Nature of God’s Word:

  1. The Word of God is a light to our path, without which we are bound to stumble along life’s road – Psalm 119:105; 130.
  2. They are spirit and life to the believer.  (John 6:63; Psalm 107:20)
  3. They are immutable (unchangeable) and settled for ever – Hebrews 6:18; Psalm 119:89
  4. It is quick (life giving) and powerful – Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 119:40, 93.
  5. It is perfect enough to convert and convince a soul – Psalm 19:7
  6. It is truth on its own and burden lifter and sanctifies – John 17:17; 1 John 5:3b.

B. The Purpose of The Word:

  1. To present every believer perfect and approved of God:  (Acts 2:22 (Luke 4:1-13); Romans 12:1-2; 2 Tim. 3:14-17; Colossians 1:28; 2 Timothy 2:15.)
  2. To make us grow into maturity:  (1 Peter 2:2; Hebrews 5:13-14.)
  3. To give us an inheritance; (Acts 20:32.)
  4. To purge us and cause us to think rightly: ( Philippians 4:8)
  5. That we might know the truth that sets us free; (John 8:32.)
  6. To give us life: (Psalm 119:93; John 5:39.)

C. What should be our attitude towards the word:

  1. We must desire it:  (Psalm 119:11, 97, 109, 112; 19:10).
  2. Esteem it better, more important than our daily food:  (Psalm 42:1; Job 23:12; Jeremiah 15:16; Matt.  4:4 Deut. 8:3).
  3. We need to study and meditate and read it, that it might be apart of us: (1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Tim 2:15; Joshua 1:8; Deuteronomy 11:8-20).
  4. Above all, we need to put it into practice:  (James 1:22-25; Rom. 10:8-13).

D. The results of being a doer of the Word:

  1. We will  have an experiential knowledge of God:  (Jeremiah 9:23-24; Hosea 6:3, Romans 10:1-2)
  2. We will be fruitful: (John 15:5, 7, 10, 16.)
  3. In obeying the word, we do exploits for God: (Joshua 6:20;  Daniel 6:10; 11:32b)
  4. We are strengthened spiritually and otherwise: (Job. 36:11; James 2:25; Psalm 119:93.)
  5. We grow unto maturity:  (1 Peter 2:2; Hebrews 5:14; 2 Peter 3:18.)

CONCLUSION: God is building and raising a people of power and praise that would move unto perfection (maturity) to show forth his praise and doings.  We cannot be entitled to be a part of this end-time vessel (army), if we be only hearers and not doers of His words. His Words are powerful; it works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasures. (Philippians 12-13).  Let us therefore, take up the challenge.

MEMORY VERSE: “But be ye DOERS of the WORD, and not HEARERS only, deceiving your own self” James 1:22.


Compiled by Revd Chukie MORSI

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Knowing And Feeding On The WORD

Posted by on July 3, 2010 · Leave a Comment 

TOPIC:  KNOWING & FEEDING ON THE WORD OF GOD

TEXT: I John 5:7, 11; John 1:1-5; 17:3; Psalm 119: 1-22; Deut. 17:14-20; Revelation 5:9-10; 1:5-6; 1Peter 2:5, 9.

INTRODUCTION: The BIBLE, Which is the Word, the Will, the Testimony, the Covenant, The Testament of God, has been describe as the “Blessed Information Bringing Life Eternal”.  The Christian life is a race, a journey in which there are difficulties, trials, temptations and dangers on the way.  The psalmist said, “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, which walk in the law of the Lord” (Ps. 119:1).  The knowledge of the Word of God helps to keep us from all defilement’s, for it is “the lamp unto our feet and the light unto our path” (Ps. 119:105).  It is a mirror and it is the food that gives energy for the race (1 Pet. 1:23).  Ignorance of the word leads to starvation, to bondage, fear and careless living.  Through the word, we come to know God and obtain our salvation.  It is necessary for our daily living, for through it the quality of our life is improved.

This Word study calls us to know, learn and keep the word of God for our blessings, prosperity and success (Rev. 1:3, Joshua 1:8.) Lets arise in our hearts and graze on this scripture for our now, today and tomorrow.

ASPECTS OF THE WORD: The WORD has three parts to it:

  1. The LOGOS words, which is written word, i.e. the objective will of God – (Matthew. 4:4.)
  2. The RHEMA word, which is the revelation or living word, (i.e. the subjective will of God that creates – Gen. 1:3.) Sometimes called the prophetic or spoken word.  The Spirit Word of God. (John. 6:63)
  3. The INCARNATE Word, which is the word made flesh – JESUS – (John 1:14.)

In this study however, we shall concentrate on the Logos, the written or objective will of God.  However all the three parts are very important in order of operations: LOGOS – RHEMA – INCARNATE WORD.

DISCUSSION (Study Analysis):

A. What says the Scripture about the Word of God:

  1. Food – 1 Pet. 2:2, Deut. 8:3; Ps. 119:103; Jer. 15:16-
  2. Light – Ps. 119.105, 130; Prov. 6:23; Ps. 19:8
  3. Seed for Sowing – Ps. 126:6; Mk. 4:14-20; 2 Cor. 9:10
  4. Purifier – Ps. 119:9; Jn. 15:3; Jn. 17:17; 1Pt. 1:22
  5. It is perfect, convert’s soul, sure, right, rejoicing the heart, pure, enlighten the eyes, sweeter than honey, something to be desired more, it warns us, and great reward lies in keeping it.  It makes the simple hearted wise (Wisdom) – Ps. 19:7-11.
  6. Reveals all errors and cleanses all secret faults –  Ps. 19:12
  7. It is an instructor, reproves, etc – Proverbs 6:23; 2 Timothy 3: 16-17.
  8. Perfect – Ps 19:7, Matthew 5:48; Psalm 37:37, Genesis. 17:1
  9. Loved by the saints of old – Ps. 119:47, Job 23:12, Jer. 15:16 Psalm 119:72, 82, 97, 140, 163.
  10. It is eternal and authentic; it can authenticate for itself – Psalms 119:89, Matthew 5:18; 24:35; Isaiah 40:8; 1Peter. 1:25

B. What makes the Written Word Different from other written materials:

  1. 2Tim. 3:16; Jer. 36:2; 2Pet. 1:21 – (Divinely inspired materials)
  2. Deut. 4:2; Prov. 30:6; Rev. 22:19; -(It is sacred and not to be altered)
  3. Psalm 19:7-8 –(Perfect, sure, right and pure)
  4. Mark 13:31 – Cannot be out-dated – (1Pet. 1:24-25; Isa. 40:6-8,) for it has sustained every generation that looked up to it for life.
  5. 2Tim. 2:9-10 – God’s word is not bound or limited.
  6. Jn. 6:63 – It is spirit and life giving
  7. Psalm 107:20 – Quick to obtain  result (i.e. able to deliver)
  8. Heb. 4:12 Powerful and effective.

C. The tremendous power in the Word of God as revealed in the following Scriptures:

  1. Jeremiah 5:14 – Devouring flame.
  2. Jeremiah 23:29 – A crushing hammer/fire
  3. Ezekiel 37:7 – Life giving force to the dry bones.  (Jn. 6:63, Psalm 119:93)
  4. 1 John 5:3 – A burden and grieve lifter
  5. Romans 1:16 – A saving power.
  6. Ephesians 6:17 – A defensive weapon
  7. Hebrews 4:12 – A probing instrument.

D. Why was the word written for and to us: (Rom. 15:4;  1Cor. 10:11)

  1. To authenticate the Messiahship and divinity of Christ – John 20:31.
  2. For our learning, it gives hope to men – Romans 15:4.
  3. For admonition – 1Corinthians 10:11.
  4. To give knowledge of eternal life – 1 John 5:13.
  5. For our righteousness and unto every good works – 1Timothy 3:16-17
  6. Profitable for teaching – Deut. 4:10, 11:9, 2Chron. 17:9, Neh. 9:13; 1saiah. 2:3; Acts 8:28
  7. To testify of Christ – Jn. 5:39.

E. In what mood do we study the Word

  1. As a command – 2Timothy. 2:15; Deuteronomy 17:19; Joshua. 1:8; Isaiah 34:16; John 5:39; Acts 17:11; Romans 15:4)
  2. With great reverence – (Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32; Proverbs 30:6, Revelation 22:19; 2Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter. 1:21)
  3. In love and not fear or grieve or sorrow – (1John 5:3; Psalm 119:47, 82, 97, 140, 163, Job 23:12)
  4. With a readiness to allow the word in the heart – (Deuteronomy 6:6, 11:18, 30:14, Psalm 119:11; Romans 10:8; Colossians 3:16.)
  5. Readiness to do the word as written or implied – (James 1:22-25)

F. How we can study the Word

  1. Doctrinal or topical study
  2. Book by Book or chapter by chapter
  3. Character study
  4. The use of study aids etc.

G. Study aids (Material to study the Word)

  1. A Holy Bible (Preferably with reference)
  2. Notebook/Booklet (not sheet or loose piece of paper)
  3. Concordance, Dictionary, Commentary.
  4. Biro, highlighter etc.
  5. Internet Access – WORD search; E-sword; Bible gateway etc.

H. What encouragement do we get in studying the word of God:

  1. Nobleness – John 5:39; Act 17:10, 11; 2 Timothy. 2:15.
  2. Success and Blessing – Joshua 1:8; Revelation 1:3 Luke. 11:28.
  3. Freedom and deliverance – John 8:31 – 32; 15:7; Matthew 7:24.
  4. It is trustworthy – Matt. 5:18; Luke. 21:33; Isaiah 55:8-13, 1Peter 1:24-25; 1Kings. 8:56; Ps. 93:5, Psalm 111:7; Ezekiel 12:25 Deuteronomy 12:9.

I. Consequences of failure to read and know the word of God

  1. Be in darkness, searching for the living among the dead – John 20:9; Proverbs 21:16.
  2. Destruction, despised and rejected by God – Hosea 4:6; Isaiah 5:13-15; 2 Chronicles 36:16; Isaiah 30:9; Jeremiah 6:19; 9:13.
  3. Hindrance to your prayer – 1 John 3:22.
  4. A victim due to erring on the scriptures – Matt. 22:29; Matt. 12:3, 19:4.
  5. Makes one walk in Ignorance – Jn. 20:9; Acts 13:27; 2Cor. 3:15.

CONCLUSION: Many Christians are living a beggarly life today because of their ignorance of the word.  They have failed to go into the scriptures to claim and enrich their life with the blessings of God.  Another great sin committed by believers today is their inability to believe completely the whole counsel of God as it is in the scriptures.  Do not interpret it to suit your selfishness but allow the word of God to speak to you and then only, you will reap God’s blessings in it.  For the Bible is a fortress often attacked but never failing.  Its wisdom is commanding and its logic convincing.  Salvation is its watchword; Eternal life it’s goal; It punctures all pretense. Trust it, love it, obey it and eternal life will be yours.

Food for thought: “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that heareth the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the times is at hand”. –Rev. 1:3 (Jam. 1:22-25, Jos. 1:8, Ps.1:1-3, Deut. 6:4-9; 11:8).

MEMORY VERSE: Psalm 119:11 “Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee”


Compiled by Revd Chukie MORSI

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Believers’ Fellowship

Posted by on June 3, 2010 · Leave a Comment 

TOPIC: BELIEVERS’ FELLOWSHIP

TEXT: Psalm 133; Genesis 49:10; Acts 2:44-47, 1 Peter3:8, 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 John 1:3; Matthew 5:21-26; 1 Corinthians 6:1-12; Matthew 18:15-20.

MEMORY VERSE: “Not forsaking the assemblies of ourselves together as the manner (habit) of some is, but exhorting (communing with) one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching”. Hebrews 10:25.

INTRODUCTION: We have concluded in our last study series about act of the “True Worship” of God, we shall be considering in this new series “Believers Fellowship” another act of being in Church. When we come together we don’t only come to worship the triune God  – God our Father in the name of Jesus by the Holy Spirit –  but also to fellowship with each other in the faith of our God and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit. When you are born again, you become a member of a family, God’s family. Hence you are to share intimately with other members of the same family, particularly in a locality.  This gathering together of the believers is referred to in the Bible as the Church, the Assembly of believers, and the fellowship of the brethren. The Church is a local and universal body of born again and spirit-filled believers in Christ Jesus having a Shepherd (Head/Leadership).

In Greek the word Fellowship is called KOINONIA meaning Communion, Fellowship, a sharing of something in common – Heb. 12:22 – 24, Psalm 122:1; Gen. 49:10b; 1 John 1:3. Every believer needs the fellowship of other believer.  It is here that we are built together as a holy habitation for God. A believer that does not fellowship with others misses a lot.  This is why you should understand what the Bible says about believer fellowship, what you should expect during a believers fellowship and other things.  Please open your heart to the Holy Spirit so that He may explain the Word of God to you – Psalm 122:1.

DISCUSSION (Study Analysis):

1a. What does the bible mean by Believers’ Fellowship or Assembly of Believers?

i) It means Communion (1 Corinthians 10:16-22) Meaning Common Union, that is, something in Common and in Union – The act of sharing something in common. If we are to have fellowship, we must have something in common, and must be shared in true unity and union. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17.

ii) Partners (Luke 5:8-10) Meaning we are partner together in the same mindset of kingdom business in spite of our diversity (not in opposition). We are in partnership, working together for the same God as co-worker, all pulling together rather than pulling against each other.

iii) Contribution (Rom. 15:26-27) Meaning the act of giving to each other – spiritually, materially and financially etc. The early Church kind of fellowship contributed to each others need without any wanting in the midst. They gave liberally to each other – (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37; 2 Cor. 8:13-15)

iv) Partaker and Sharer Meaning to share with one another’s lives – is to rejoice with them, pray with them, mourn with them etc. Fellowship cannot be remote- it must be personal, caring, and loving. We partake with one another, we share with one another, we love one another in the deepest sense of the word (1Cor. 13:4-8a).

v) To Participate In and With Meaning to be part of them, to be one, even as the Father and the Son are one. (John 17:20-23).

NOTE: True Christian Fellowship, as outlined above, is a rare but beautiful thing. No wonder Apostle Paul counselled us to be “eager and willing to maintain the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3).

1b. The need for fellowship.

a) Hebrews 10:24-25; b) Psalm 133:2-3; c) Malachi 3:16; d) Acts 2:44; e) Psalms 119:63; f) Matthew 18:18-20; 5:21-26; g) 1 Corinthians 1:9.

2. What do we expect at a believers Fellowship:

a)      Psalm 133:1-3: Divine love share; The Anointing of the Holy Spirit; and the Lord blessings.

b)      Deut. 23:12-14, Obadiah 1:17-18, 2 Cor. 6:16:  The Presence of God; The Power of God to save, deliver help and heal.

c)      Acts 2:42-47, 4:31-35:  The Holy Spirit and divers help.

d)     Eph. 5:19-20, Col. 3:16-17, Heb. 3:12-14, 1 John 1:5-7: Fellowship, exhortation, etc.

e)      1 Tim. 3:15; 1 Corinthians 14:26

3. With whom are we to Fellowship:

a)      The Father – 1 John 1:3, Jn. 14:23, 17:21-23, 2 Cor. 6:18, Isa. 57:15.

b)      The Son – 1 Cor. 1:9, 1 Jn. 1:3, and Matt. 18:20, Jn. 14:23, 15:2-8.

c)      The Holy Spirit – Rom. 8:9, 1 Cor. 3:16, 2 Cor. 13:14, Phil 2:1.

d)     The Brethren – Acts 1:14, 2:1, 42, 47, Matt. 13:55-56, Eph. 5:15, 1Jn. 3:3-7.

4. Who not to fellowship with:

a) The Ungodly – Psalm 1:1.

b) Workers of Iniquity – Psalm 6:8, 26:5.

c) False Teachers – I Tim. 6:3-5.

d) The disorderly 2 Thess. 3:6.

e) Infidel, Idolaters, and fornicators – 1 Cor. 5:9-11, 2 Cor. 6:14 – 7:1

f) Unbelievers 2 Cor. 6:14.

g) The Devil – Eph. 5:11,

h) Fallen Angles (demons) – Rev. 8:12, 1 Cor. 10:20, Rev. 19:20b, Deut. 32:17, Psalm 106:37,

i) Worship of Holy Angels – Rev. 19:10, Rev 22:8-9, Heb. 1:13-14

NOTE: The act of fellowship has nothing to do with relating with Heathens but with the system and life styles which contradicts the Christian faith. For there is a very great difference in terms between in the act of relationship and fellowship considering them in the context of the scriptures.

5. What are the blessings of consistent fellowship with God and other believers: A) Psalm 119:165, b) Matt. 18:18-20, c) 1 Jn. 1:7,  d) Rev. 3:20, e) Psalm 3:8,  f) 125:1-2,  g) Jn. 10:28, h) 2 Tim. 2:21,  i) Rev. 3:21.

CONCLUSION: A separation and Isolation Christian is a contradiction in terms, we need the love and fellowship of one another for a stable spiritual growth and efficiency. Every believer needs the fellowship of other believer.  It is here that we are built together as a holy habitation for God. A believer that does not fellowship with others misses a lot. This is why you should understand what the Bible says about believer fellowship, what you should expect during a believers fellowship and other things.

MEMORY VERSE: “Not forsaking the assemblies of ourselves together as the manner (habit) of some is, but exhorting (communing with) one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching”. Heb. 10:25.


Compiled by Revd Chukie MORSI

Filed under Scripture Pasture · Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

True Worship

Posted by on May 3, 2010 · Leave a Comment 

TOPIC: TRUE WORSHIP

BIBLE TEXT: John 4:19-24; Revelation 4 & 5; Deuteronomy 18:9-14; Job 32:8; 33:4; 1 Thessalonian 5:23; Hebrews 4:12-13.

MEMORY VERSE: “God [is] a Spirit and those that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and truth”. John 4:24.

INTRODUCTION: The act – “WORSHIP” – is defined as the feeling or expression of reverence, devotion, veneration, exalting, glorifying, idolising, extolling, admiration, homage and adoration for God. In this study we want to consider the various ways people tend to worship as classified in the Scriptures – The Holy Bible. We will also consider what true worship is all about in the light of the Scriptures. These three ways are:

1. Vain Worship – Matthew 15;1-9

2. Ignorant Worship – Acts 17:22-31

3. True Worship – John 4:21-24

DISCUSSIONS:

1          VAIN WORSHIP:

a. Traditions of men (Idolatry (idol) worship: 1 Cor. 10:19-22; Deut. 18:9-14; 1 Cor. 12:1-3.

b. Unauthorised Doctrinal Acts of Worship: 2 John 7-11; Hebrews 6:1-6.

c. By adding or subtracting The Word of God: Rev. 22:18-19; Deut. 4:2; Prov. 30:5-6.

d. Worship of any but God – Luke 4:8. Remember Jesus ordeal with Satan temptation.

Compare what happened with the following men of God:

i. John v. Angel – Rev. 19:10; 22:6-9

ii. Paul and Barnabas – Acts 14:11-15

iii. Peter v. Cornelius – Acts 10:25-27. If these men of God and the Angel refused to be worship,     why should we not worship men, or any creature or any other god.

Note: Matt. 4:10; Exodus 20:3-5; 34:14; Acts c8:9-25; 19-:11-20.

e. Not believing in resurrection – 1 Cor. 15:12-19; Acts 28:8; Matt. 22:23-33.

f. Observing special days and seasons, abstaining from certain foods that have been authorised by God to be eaten – Colossians 2:16-23; Acts 10:9-15; Isaiah 1:10-17; 1 Tim. 4:1-5; 1 Cor. 6:12; 10:23-33.

2. IGNORANT WORSHIP:

a. Without understanding – Acts 17:22-31; Rom. 10:14; (Prov. 13:15; 21:16). Cornelius the Centuration feared and worship God in Ignorance until in answer to his prayers, God asked him to send for Peter for more education and understanding on what is in worshipping the true God. Acts 10:1-48.

b. Compare Paul’s statement in 1 Tim. 1:3-7. He acted and behaved the way he did out of ignorance until Jesus appeared to him and changed him. Note his words in verse 12. Note also Paul’s address to Athenians in Acts 17:2-32.

3. TRUE WORSHIP:

True worship must be in spirit and truth – John4:19-24. It must be in all good conscience – Acts 23:1; 24:16. Compare Luke 16:15 and Prov. 14:12, and judge yourself whether you have been worshipping God in spirit according to the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and in truth void of guilty conscience – because our true God searches the heart and knows them that actually worship Him in spirit and in truth. Note: John 4:24; Jeremiah7:10; Rev. 2:23

4. ACTS OF WORSHIP:

a. Preaching and Teaching as worship:

i. Go and Teach – Mark 16:15; Luke 16:16; Matthew 28:19-20.

ii. Ceased not to teach and preach – Acts 5:42

iii. Preach everywhere – Acts 8:4

iv. Preach Jesus – Acts 8;35; 2 Cor. 4:5

v. Preach the Gospel – 1 Cor. 15;1-4; Rom. 15;19; Gal. 1:8-9; 1 Cor. 9:16-18.

vi. Teach things Commanded – 1 Tim. 4:11.

vii. Teach the Doctrine of Christ – 1 Tim. 6:3.

b. Praying as Worship:

i. Jesus taught his disciples to pray – Matt. 6;5-15; Luke 11;1-4; 1 Cor. 14;15; Col. 3:17.

ii. Pray always and everywhere – 1 Thess 5:12-19; 1 Tim. 2:8; Luke 18:1

iii. Pray for all in authority – 1 Tim. 2:1-5.

c. Singing/Praises as Worship:

i. How to sing – 1 Cor. 14:15; Eph. 5:18-21

ii. What to sing – Hymns of Praises – Matt. 26;30; Mark 14:26;

iii. Teach and admonish by singing – Col. 3:16-17.

iv. Sing and praise with the instrument – Psalm 149; 150.

Note: Moses worshipped God by singing after crossing the Red Sea as could be seen in Exodus 15:1-18. Miriam the choir-mistress song could also be seen in Exodus 15:20-21. David act of could all be summed and found in the Psalms book of the Bible.

d. Giving as Worship:

i. Self First – 2 Cor. 8:1-5; Matt. 6:33.

ii. Christians of old contributed – 1 Cor. 16:1-2.

iii. How to contribute and be blessed – 2 Cor. 9:6-9

iv. Contributing proves your love and commitment – 2 Cor. 9:13-15. Compare Abraham – Gen. 22:1-12; Abel – Gen. 4:4; Hebrews 4:4.

v. Our Tithes and substances – Mal. 3:8-10; Prov. 2:9-10; Luke 8:1-3.

e. The Lord’s Supper as Worship:

i. It is an institution and faith ordinance – Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22; Luke 22;7.

ii. Do not abuse it – 1 Cor. 11:17-22;

iii. Manner of Observing – 1 Cor. 11:23-24.

CONCLUSION:

A true child of God owes it as a duty to worship God and God alone and this must be in spirit and in truth. The Word of God should be the only basis for a Christian faith, since in it alone man found the commands and guidance as to the worship of God. Vain and ignorant worship deprives man of the entry to heaven and God’s presence. If heaven is your goal avoid vain and ignorant worship and make a bold decision now to worship God in spirit and in truth. See to it that you involve yourself in all the various acts of worship for your blessings.

MEMORY VERSE:

“God is a Spirit and those that worship him must worship him in spirit     and in truth” John 4:24.


Compiled by Revd Chukie MORSI

Filed under Scripture Pasture · Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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